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Surat Thani Oil Shortage: 11 Vessels, 24 Trips Suspected of Delaying Delivery, Hoarding

Surat Thani Oil Shortage: 11 Vessels, 24 Trips Suspected of Delaying Delivery, Hoarding

MGR Online•Society•2d ago

Reader Briefing

Investigation uncovers 60 million liters of missing fuel in Surat Thani, with 11 vessels making 24 suspicious trips potentially delaying delivery and hoarding oil.

  • •An investigation into missing fuel in Surat Thani has identified 60 million liters as problematic.
  • •Eleven vessels made 24 trips, which are suspected of delaying deliveries or hoarding fuel.
  • •The Department of Special Investigation is investigating potential criminal offenses related to fuel traders.

Overview

  • •The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is accelerating its investigation into the 'disappearing oil' special case in Surat Thani.
  • •A total of 60 million liters of fuel is found to have abnormal activity during transport in the sea off Surat Thani.
  • •From March 1, 2026, onward, until the situation is resolved, the investigation has been ongoing.
  • •Initial observations by the National Maritime Security Administration (NMSA) suggested 57 million liters might be missing.
  • •In March 2026, 20 vessel trips were initially linked to the transport of 57 million liters of missing fuel.
  • •The DSI has since expanded its investigation to cover March 1 – March 31, identifying 24 vessel trips linked to the 60 million liters.
  • •11 vessels have been identified as involved, with their ownership details and nationality (mostly Thai) under further investigation.
  • •Increased electricity consumption was observed at major fuel depots in Surat Thani, Pathum Thani, Rayong, and Samut Sakhon, particularly between March 26-27, 69, following a price adjustment.

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Key Quotes

High-level source, Ministry of Justice
"Electricity usage is the pressure for creation, even at fuel service stations. Every time one dispenser is used, it costs 7 Baht, thus requiring electricity."
การใช้ไฟฟ้ามันคือแรงดันในการสร้าง ไม่เว้นแม้แต่สถานีให้บริการน้ำมัน ทุกครั้งที่กดหนึ่งหัวจ่าย ก็คิดเป็น 7 บาท จึงต้องมีการใช้ไฟฟ้าอยู่แล้ว

Key Entities

Organization

Department of Special Investigation(ดีเอสไอ)ℹ️
The investigating body looking into the missing fuel case.
Ministry of Justice(กระทรวงยุติธรรม)ℹ️
The ministry providing updates and insights into the ongoing investigation.
National Maritime Security Administration (NMSA)(ศูนย์อำนวยการรักษาผลประโยชน์ของชาติทางทะเล (ศรชล.))
The agency that previously noted a potential shortage of 57 million liters of fuel.
Fuel Fund Committee(กบน.)
The committee that approved a price reduction in diesel and gasoline subsidies, leading to increased retail prices.

Place

Surat Thani Province(จ.สุราษฎร์ธานี)ℹ️
Location where 60 million liters of fuel are suspected to be missing or hoarded.
Bangkok(กรุงเทพมหานคร)ℹ️
A starting point for oil transport routes, with refineries and fuel depots located in the area.
Laem Chabang(แหลมฉบัง)ℹ️
A location on the shipping route for vessels involved in the fuel transport investigation.
Sriracha(ศรีราชา)ℹ️
A location with fuel depots and refineries, part of the oil transport route network.
Map Ta Phut(มาบตาพุด)ℹ️
A key industrial area with refineries and fuel depots, serving as a pickup point for fuel shipments.
Rayong Province(จ.ระยอง)ℹ️
Location of refineries and fuel depots contributing to the oil transport network.
Chonburi Province(จ.ชลบุรี)ℹ️
Province containing refineries and fuel depots relevant to the ongoing fuel investigation.
Pathum Thani Province(จ.ปทุมธานี)ℹ️
Location where increased electricity consumption was noted at fuel storage facilities and service stations.
Samut Sakhon Province(จ.สมุทรสาคร)ℹ️
Province where heightened electricity usage was observed at fuel storage and service stations.

Law

Fuel Trading Act B.E. 2000 (2000)(พ.ร.บ.การค้าน้ำมันเชื้อเพลิง พ.ศ.2000)
The legal framework under which the current criminal investigation into fuel traders is being conducted.